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Attleboro Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Attleboro, Massachusetts?

Arrest records in Attleboro, Massachusetts are classified as public information in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that documents generated by government agencies, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold the fundamental principles of governmental accountability.

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, the public has the right to inspect, examine, and obtain copies of most arrest records maintained by the Attleboro Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. These records typically become available after the booking process has been completed and the information has been entered into the official record-keeping system. However, certain exceptions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office and the Massachusetts State Police also maintain arrest information that may be accessible through formal public records requests. Requestors should note that while the records are public, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services as permitted under state regulations.

How to Look Up Attleboro Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The Commonwealth has implemented various systems to facilitate public access to these documents while maintaining necessary security protocols. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following officially sanctioned channels:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Attleboro Police Department located at 12 Union Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a standard public records request form and provide identification.
Online Access: The Attleboro Police Department maintains a digital portal through which certain arrest log information is published. Additionally, the Massachusetts Trial Court's electronic case access system provides information on cases that have proceeded to court following an arrest.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Access Officer at the Attleboro Police Department. Such requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and other identifying information to facilitate retrieval.
Public Access Terminals: The Bristol County Superior Court, located at 9 Court Street, Taunton, MA 02780, provides public access terminals where court records related to arrests may be viewed during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), the custodian of records must respond to requests within 10 business days. Requestors should be aware that processing times may vary based on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought.

Contents of an Attleboro Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Attleboro Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Bristol County typically contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These official documents generally include the following elements:

Biographical Information: The full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, current address, and any documented aliases or previous names.
Arrest Details: The precise date, time, and location where the apprehension occurred, along with the specific circumstances that led to the arrest.
Offense Information: A detailed description of the alleged criminal activity, including the Massachusetts General Laws citation for each violation.
Law Enforcement Data: Identification of the arresting agency, the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), and the case or incident number assigned to the matter.
Processing Information: Details regarding the booking procedure, including fingerprint classification numbers, photographic identification (mugshot), and property inventory.
Judicial Processing: Information regarding bail determinations, court appearance dates, and initial charging decisions.
Custody Status: Documentation of whether the individual was released on personal recognizance, posted bail, or was remanded to custody pending further proceedings.

It should be noted that pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 167-178B, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that might compromise ongoing investigations may be redacted from public versions of arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Attleboro

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has established statutory provisions through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Attleboro law enforcement agencies. The process is governed primarily by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018.

Expungement constitutes the permanent erasure or destruction of records, rendering them inaccessible to both the public and government agencies. Under Massachusetts law, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

The arrest resulted from a demonstrable error by law enforcement or was otherwise unlawful.
The arrest record pertains to an offense that has subsequently been decriminalized by legislative action.
The petitioner meets specific statutory criteria regarding age at the time of offense, nature of the offense, and time elapsed since the incident.
The continued existence of the record would constitute a manifest injustice to the petitioner.

Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Commissioner of Probation at the Office of the Commissioner of Probation, One Ashburton Place, Room 405, Boston, MA 02108. The petition must include supporting documentation establishing eligibility under the relevant statutory provisions.

Upon receipt of a petition, the Commissioner of Probation will conduct a thorough review to determine eligibility. If the petition proceeds, notification will be provided to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, which may object to the expungement request. In contested cases, a hearing may be scheduled before a judge of the court where the original case was adjudicated.

Successful expungement results in the removal of all records from public databases, court files, probation records, and law enforcement repositories. Following expungement, the individual may lawfully represent that the arrest never occurred in response to inquiries from private entities.

Search Arrest Records in Attleboro

Attleboro Police Department
12 Union Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 222-1212
Official Website

Bristol County District Attorney's Office
888 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 997-0711
Official Website